Episodes
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This week, I talk with Ayrshire local Steve Daye. Steve has recently burst onto the ultra scene, but his 2022 debut ultra was years in the making.
What we talked about:
Steve's background and how he has built his (very speedy) running base up over the yearsHow he thinks about and selects future racesHow he combines a busy, physical job with trainingWhat he has learned from being at the sharp end of racesHow he is continuing to learn how to translate his excellent running to longer ultra-distance eventsKey Takeaways:
Speed is a really useful component to any runner, regardless or the distance that you are planning to runCreating predictability in some of the core events you race, and your training allows for flexibility elsewhereRest is critical performing your bestResources Mentioned:
Follow Steve on Instagram @ultra.running.beargels/fuelling: @maurten @salomon speedcross @ronhill (for the shades) @talwind for liquid carbsConnect with Us:
If you are not already then follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running related content, have a chat and talk about the podI'd appreciate it if you could leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we say. It does help (and I would be very grateful :)Do you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?
I have a few athletes coming on board but still have space for a few more. Want to see how I can help? Just go to this link, complete the contact form here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.
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Scottish Queen of the Backyard Ultra and co-founder of the Wildheart Runners, Karen Nicol spends some time with us this week.
Her bio on the Wildheart Runners page says it all:
"Karen has been competing in ultra-distance races for over 10 years and loves (and sometimes loathes) a Backyard Ultra. With 40 yards under her belt, the former GB female record holder is passionate about encouraging females to participate in the lapped format. Karen has won the Crawley 12-hour and 6-hour races and stood on the podium in many other ultra races, including Edinburgh 24, Glenmore 24, and Devil of the Highlands.
She is also the Founder and Race Director of her local Junior Parkrun, she is a guide runner, journaling advocate, and ultra-running coach specialising in female health and menopause.
Her passion is supporting others to overcome barriers and use running as a vessel for a better life.
UESCA Certified Ultra Running Coach and Certified Female Athlete and Menopause Coach. "
What we talked about:
Karen's background is from being a non-runner and signing up for a charity 10k to representing her country at the Back Yard Ultra World ChampionshipsHer thoughts and campaigning for better, more equitable representation of females in endurance sportsWe explore some of the barriers to females in ultra runningHow the Wildheart Runners started and how you can get involvedKey Takeaways:
The unique challenges that females are faced withHow the support of others, like the Wildheart Runners community can help build your confidence How getting the right people around you is so important to being able to fulfil your potential sich as getting the right coach (and a supportive partner)Resources Mentioned:
Follow Karen on Instagram @ultrakazy and the Wildheart Runners on @wildheartrunnersYou can find out all about the Wildheart Runners at their website here:wildheartrunners.comConnect with Us:
Follow @davidultrarunner on Instagram for some running-related content, engage with the podcast and find out when the next one is availableSubscribe to our podcast on all good podcast platforms including apple, spotify and amazonLeave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we have to say. It really does helpDo you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?
All you have to do is fill in a simple form, and then we can set up a time to see how I can help you. The link is here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Missing episodes?
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Once again we have came up trumps with a long-run feature length episode.
This time we will hear from Scott Brown. not only is Scott my coach but he is the owner of SBF (Scott Brown Fitness) and a serial winner in both OCR and ultra-endurance events
The conversation is filled with inspiration throughout. I hope you enjoy.
Topics Discussed:
Scott's background, from school to the military, to close protection work to the business that he has builtHow he has evolved as an athlete and how he finds new and exciting challenges#We talk about some massive races from the worlds toughest mudder to the the West Highland Way Race, to the GB Ultras Scotland events and the Spine.The way that he surrounds himself with the right people and how in turn he is also able to help and support others great team and peopleHow mindset can overcome obstacles regardless of whether you are an elite athlete like Scott or more average (like me)His future challenges (we will come back to Scott after he has smashed this one)Key Takeaways:
Mindset is key to achieving what you set out to do, and it is something that you can work on and developThe environment that you are in is important, what kind of culture do you want to be in?Getting the right people and team around you will accelerate your success, but where can you also give something back?Resources Mentioned:
Follow Scott on Instagram @sbf_scottbrown and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scottbrownfitnessYou can find out all about his gym here: https://www.facebook.com/scottbrownfitnessConnect with Us:
Follow @davidultrarunner on Instagram for some running-related content, engage with the podcast and find out when the next one is availableSubscribe to our podcast on all good podcast platforms including apple, spotify and amazonLeave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we have to say. It really does helpDo you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?
All you have to do is fill in a simple form, and then we can set up a time to see how I can help you. The link is here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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We have another long-run/feature-length episode this week with Paul Manson aka The Random Runner.
Paul is the dynamic personality behind the YouTube channel 'The Random Runner'.
Join us as he shares his journey from a casual runner to an epic adventure conquering social media sensation, known for his fun and quirky challenges that bring joy to the running community.
Topics Discussed:
Paul’s background, what inspired him to start running and when he got 'the bug'.The concept behind the Random Runner and his positivity in facing challengesHow he uses social media to connect with and motivate othersHow he chooses his races and challenges like the West Highland Way Race, Lakeland 100 and the Tor de GeantsTips for anyone looking to make running more fun and engagingKey Takeaways:
Frame ultras as adventuresChoosing your path and focusing on the joy that running can give youFinding what it is that inspires you - then go and do itResources Mentioned:
Follow Paul on YouTube @therandomrunner@salomon s/lab genesis as his 'go to' shoeConnect with Us:
Follow @davidultrarunner on Instagram for some running-related content, engage with the podcast and find out when the next one is availableSubscribe to our podcast on [Platforms]Leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share where you canDo you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?
All you have to do is fill in a simple form and then we can set up some time to see how I can help you. The link is here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast I have a little discount waiting for you.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week we move back to Ayrshire where we have a conversation with the one and only Andy Darling.
Andy is a Personal Trainer and Ultrarunner based in Irvine and has recently completed the 57-mile Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon in just 9 hours and 27 minutes.
He is also a personal trainer (There is Always Time) working out of Scott Brown Fitness in Irvine.
In this episode, we talk about:
His transition from CrossFit, where he got a bit bored to Obstacle Course RacingMoving beyond the OCR world and focusing on road-runningGoing from shorter races to road marathons to recently completing the Glasgow to Edinburgh UltramarathonHow he moved from managing a coffee shop to being a personal trainer - his passion for this shines throughFinding the inspiration in what he does now and nextMany thanks to Andy for his time and if you would like to connect with him then he is on Instagram here: @thereisalwaystime_pt and on the ol' Facebook just search for There is Always Time PT
If you are looking for coaching help and advice for ultrarunning, I still have space, so why not set up a time to see how I can help? Just fill in some details in the contact form here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ and one of the team will ensure we get connected. If you decide to go ahead with coaching, then just mention the podcast for a nice little discount. I can't say I'm not nice.
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We kick off season 2 in style and have feature (long run) length episode that I promise will be worth it.
We catch up with Jeev Sing, co-founder of the Green Runners who has recently conquered the infamous Bob Graham Round, and in the process became the first Indian to do so.
In this episode, we talk about:
How he went from humble beginnings in India to the corporate world in London.The moment that he turned back to running and a healthier way of lifeMoving from road to trail (and loving it)Moving from trail to ultras (and loving it) - including 'that' fell running bookRunning the classic 153-mile SpartathlonFalling in love with the Lakeland Fells (and moving there)What the Bob Graham Round is, the approach he took and the friends he madeWhere the idea of The Green Runners came from and how you can get involvedYou can find out more about the Green Runners by clicking on their Instagram bio and also connect with Jeev at @desi.runner where you will be able to see his reels including some awesome highlights of his Bob Graham. The film about his round will be coming out in Spring 2025 and will be available through Summit Fever Media
As always, if you are looking for some help to achieve your ultra goals then get in touch for a chat here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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This week we talk to Basil Heaney, an accomplished ultrarunner who co-founded the charity Into Ultra.
Basil was a latecomer to ultrarunning but has slowly crawled his way up to being a mid/back-pack runner finishing many gnarly multi-day races in the UK and Alps but also with an impressive collection of DNFs too. No GB vest or FKT but has small corner in the record books of being only person (foolish enough) to complete the Spine and Arc of Attrition back-to-back.
In this episode, we talk about:
How basil came into the sportHow he selects the races that he wants to do (hint, if it is tougher, or longer then it's a yes)The difference between the distances and what makes 200+ mile races special, in aWhy the charity Into Ultra was formed and what it's missionHow you and others can get involved (and probably should)The impact that Into Ultra has had on peoplePlease check out the website at www.intoultra.org.uk to find out all about them and also @intoultra on Instagram or email at [email protected] While you are there you could also check out the very cool Kit Squad that we talk about here: https://kitsquad.co.uk/
As always, if you are looking for coaching, please get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/ and we can talk over how I can help you. You also get a 20% discount on the coaching if you mention the podcast and put WCUltra in at the payment stage. Bargain :)
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Flying solo this week and I thought I would take the opportunity to talk about a couple of areas that I've heard people talking about
Ultrarunning is as much a mental game as it is physical so I cover mindset so I look at:
A working definition of mindsetHow you create evidence of the person you areHow you maintain focused attention on your behavioursHow mindset is important for resilience in ultrasIt's also the time of the season when many people have done a couple of races one of which might have been their longer 'A' race.
What happens then?
Yup, it's time to recover so I cover some of the basics in terms of:
Recovery during training blocksRecovery after big races, especially ones that are harder than you've done beforeThe role of the nervous system and Heart Rate Variation (HRV)Using metrics on your fitness trackersSome (very important) basics on recoveryIce bathsIf you are wanting to find out how I can help you then get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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We go international again this week. Julie Urbanski, an American and co founder of team RunRun, joins us this week from Portugal.
In this episode we talk about:
How running became Julie's sport of choiceHer through hiking background across some truly epic trails in America (we're talking thousands of miles here)How she manages the balance of work, running and parenthood while travellingHer recent run at the OCC - one of the UTMB series eventsTeam RunRun, what it is and its mission to bring together coaches and athletesWe talk about what Team RunRun is in this episode and how I have become involved as a coach. If you want to see how I might be able to help you with your running goals then get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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This week we speak to none other than the SBF obstacle course and ultrarunning legend Sandie Pow.
Sandie is not your average ultrarunner - as she doesn't 'just run'.
We talked about her love for obstacle course racing and how that works when running an ultramarathon along with:
Focusing on doing what you enjoyTrying to listen to what your body is telling you Being an overall athlete (though Sandie reluctantly calls herself one)How she worked in her training with family responsibilitiesIf you want to up your running game and take the guesswork out of your training then why not hire a coach (like me)? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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We are going international this week, and we welcome Paul Paterson, a native of Stewarton who is now a resident of Abu Dhabi.
After 'that chat' with 'that friend' hear how Paul:
Went bold in his entry into the ultra-worldHis search for the 'next thing' that would challenge himHis approach to strength and how it supports what he does Looking for efficiency in trainingChallenges of extreme heat and acclimatisationIf you want to up your running game and take the guesswork out of your training then why not hire a coach (like me)? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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Previous guest of the show, Levi Charlton returns this week to share his EPIC adventure on the Southern Upland Way.
After failing to finish the event last year due to a knee injury he regrouped and finished the 220-mile race in 96 hours and 50 minutes.
As we talk about his journey we discuss:
What his training was like for the event and in the month leading up to the race itselfWhat the atmosphere was like and how he was able to get his head round such a distanceWhat his plans were for nutrition, hydration and sleep, given he started on the Saturday and finished on the Wednesday morningHow he planned with his crew and prepared for the unexpectedAs always - we need to talk about kit, what worked for him and what didn'tHow his recovery is going and what plans he has for the futureMore information on the Race Across Scotland can be found here: https://www.gbultras.com/ultra-great-britain/
And if you are already connected to Levi on Facebook, you can find loads of pictures of the race on his page, including the map reading in the dark video.
If you want to up your running game and take the guesswork out of your training then why not hire a coach (like me)? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode, we talk to David Clarke about his short but very full running journey
Starting Couch to 5K in August 2021Working his way up the races to complete his first ultra within a yearSome crazy challenges, like a marathon a month Benjamin Buton Challenge that included the 57 miles Glasgow to Edinburgh ultramarathonHis first DNF (Did Not Finish) and how he recovered from failure and put it into perspectiveThe power of community, like-minded people and groups that can help such as the Fit Ayrshire Masses (FAMs)A plea about your trailside pee (ing) behaviour and for more Strava honestyHere is the link to the Fit Ayrshire Masses (FAMs) group that David discusses: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199533331932977
If you want to up your running game, why not hire a coach like me? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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This week we have the only guest who is actually younger than me - Josh Raeburn.
Josh talks about how he has found his way into the world of ultrarunning, although he has just arrived.
We discuss:
How he used running as a way to get a handle on his fitness with less free time and also following a knee injuryGetting serious about running and putting himself in the right environment with running clubsUsing challenges to test your limits and see what happens when you get thereUsing ultrarunning as a way of testing your limits and how you react when you get thereGoing all in with training and diet and looking at how the small improvements add upThe importance of getting the right people around you to motivate, inspire and supportBalancing a young family and trainingHow he uses tech to manage himself during very long efforts (I love the geekery involved in this)The excellent video of Josh running the Ultra Scotland 100 is on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8t6XZ3se3w/
If you are looking to up your running game, why not hire a coach like me? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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This week we have another one of the Stewarton Ultrarunners - the wonderful Kirsten Cowling
In this fab conversation, the self-proclaimed Ayrshire Horseback Fancy Dress Champion, Kirsten shares with us:
The ups and downs and stops and starts of her running journeyThe Highland Fling is the 'heart' race for herGetting her money's worth out of the racesThe only female ever-present HillbillyHer stunning West Highland Way Race finish in 2019 (link to the video below)Pizza for the win - and shocking some Pizza Hut staffA simple yet effective tactic for checkpointsAAAAAND so much more.
Here is the Stewarton Ultrarunners West Highland Way Race video link - skip to 13 minutes to see Kirsten finish the race. It's a moment that can't help but make you smile and feel your heart full: https://youtu.be/AipHIZ5T4NU?si=imqmO0D0Y8vo6hiC
Here's the link to the video/song that won her the Highland Fling prizes (listen to the words): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9f_4Q0A6lE
As always, if you are looking for run coaching, especially if you are looking at or have just started in the ultra distances then get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/ and we can see what I might be able to do to help
I'm also hoping that I have some exciting coaching news next week so stay 'tuned' for that
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Well well well, we have something a little bit different this week.
I will be on the other side of the mic where Scott Williamson, a previous guest talks with me about my running of the Lakeland 100.
Some of the things that we cover are:
The build-up to the race and atmosphere around the 'camp'The start - how I went about trying to pace myselfCourse conditionsMy made-up drama about nearly being timed outShoes, kit and foodRace tactics and the use of checkpoints (which were ace by the way)How I'm recoveringI'd like to thank Scott for hosting this week and back to normal business next week for episode 12
As always, if you are looking for run coaching, particularly if it is for your first ultra then get in touch at: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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Just me this week, wittering on about what I have been doing for the past eight months to get ready for my 'A' race of the year:
The Lakeland 100 on the 26th July 2024
I cover:
My initial thinking when selecting the race (and being a lucky so and so with the ballot)How I executed the training plan and how it was structuredStrength and conditioningHow I have built my race plan and some predictions (although dont hold me to it)My turn to choose the Instagram musicI'm away to do a fly by and see you all on the other side of Consiton
Fancy dot watching and seeing how I am going over the weekend? Yes? Then here’s the tracking link: https://live.opentracking.co.uk/24lakeland100/
If you are looking for a coach then why don't you check out Team RunRun? I have heard this coach is pretty decent: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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Another double accent whammy, this time with another of the world-famous Stewarton Ultrarunners (I know I know - I do get other folk on here).
Billy and I were catching up and it was so much fun that I almost forgot to press record but when we did we talked about the following:
His journey from rugby and being 'fit for sport' to finding ultraRecovering from a motorbike accident and how he manages the injury The 'I met someone and they talked about ultras' hook into the sportThe Scott Vs Billy rivalry - it doesn't take a lot to stir that one upWhat his 'go to' races are each yearHow you shouldn't copy Billy's advice on kit and in race nutrition (including his West Highland Way Race diet)Using normal routines to fit training inUsing others to avoid boredom on the long runs (or listening to this podcast :))If you want to see Billy taking on the West Highland Way Race you can see it here (with the aftermath from 11:45 - 12:15)
If you are looking for a coach then you could do worse than checking out Team RunRun - yours truly is on there at https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/ (other brands are available)
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This week we double up on accents as I talk all things ultra with Levi Charlton
We wander through the conversation and cover topics such as:
Dabbling in the odd run and seeing what else he could doDiscovering that ultras don't stop at 30 milesHow running longer turned into big adventures and days outMeeting his match on Ben NevisThe craziness of this year's plans where the 96-mile West Highland Way Race was just a warm-up (whaaaaaaaat!)Leki love and bean burritos for the winUsing early mornings to create enough space later in the day for family timeI hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did having the conversation. Feel free to drop me a follow on Instagram @davidultrarunner and to make sure that you don't miss an episode then hit make sure to subscribe. Reviews would be ace as well (unless you think its rubbish).
I have also just joined Team RunRun as a coach, so if you are looking for coaching then why don't you check it out: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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Join me this week as I have a fantastic conversation with the Queen of the Largs hills, Jo Findlayson.
As we meander through the conversation we talk about:
How running was a way to keep fit - and then kept on going further and furtherGoing for a couple of loops round Millport as a longer run to helping a friend smash her Run the Blades personal best (I then worked out that was my first ultra).The slew of ultras that followed and how she recovers in betweenThe lack of privacy at Inversnaid (and her Fling experience)The rest of her year - funnily enough with a load more ultrasKit, food, balance and what kind of house to buyI hope you enjoy. As always, if you want to connect with me then I am @davidultrarunner on Instagram.
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